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For the creamy cheesecake layer, you need: - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 1 cup sour cream These ingredients create a rich, smooth base for the bars. The cream cheese and sour cream give it a nice tang. For the yummy apple filling, you'll need: - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons brown sugar These apples add a sweet and tart flavor. The lemon juice keeps them fresh and bright. For the crunchy crisp topping, gather: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted This topping gives a nice crunch. The oats and flour create a perfect texture. For the sweet caramel drizzle, you’ll need: - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) This drizzle adds the finishing touch. It makes each bite extra special with its sweetness. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, place 16 oz of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until smooth. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix well. Next, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 cup of sour cream until everything is combined. Take another bowl and add 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for this. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Toss the mixture until the apples are well coated. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix everything until it looks crumbly. Pour the cheesecake mixture into your lined baking pan. Spread it out evenly. Next, evenly distribute the apple filling over the cheesecake layer. Finally, sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples. Place your baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the cheesecake should be set. After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving. Enjoy your delicious treat! To get a smooth cheesecake, use room temperature cream cheese. Mix until creamy and avoid lumps. Adding sour cream helps create a rich texture. Do not overmix the eggs, as this can add air and cause cracks. Gently fold in the eggs after mixing the cream cheese and sugar. This keeps your cheesecake dense and creamy. Select crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well during baking. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel. Peel, core, and dice the apples evenly. This ensures they cook properly and mix well with the cinnamon and sugar. Use rolled oats for a chewy texture in your crisp topping. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly. This creates the perfect crunch on top of your cheesecake. Bake until golden brown for that delightful crunch. Cut the cheesecake bars into squares for easy serving. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a sweet finish. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fresh apple slices for a pop of color. These tips will make your dessert look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can make these bars gluten-free easily. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands sell this blend, so find one that works for you. Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free, as some may contain traces of gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat without worry! To create a vegan version, you can use plant-based cream cheese. Also, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. For a rich flavor, use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Choose maple syrup as a sweetener instead of granulated sugar. These swaps will keep the delicious taste intact. You can customize the flavors of your bars. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. For a spicy kick, mix in extra cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite flavor! To keep your Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. If you do not have one, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. They can last in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for longer storage. First, cool them completely at room temperature. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They will stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen bars, remove them from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. If you want to warm them up, use a microwave. Heat them for about 15 to 20 seconds. This will make the cheesecake smooth and creamy again. Enjoy the delightful layers just like fresh! Yes, you can! Cream cheese gives the best texture and taste. If you want to try, use mascarpone for a richer flavor. Ricotta is another option, but it may change the texture. I suggest sticking to cream cheese for the best results. To avoid cracks, mix your ingredients well but gently. Overmixing can add air that leads to cracks. Bake the bars slowly at a lower temperature. If you can, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam. This helps keep the surface smooth. These bars shine on their own, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream also pairs well. Fresh apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon add a nice touch. For a fun twist, serve with a side of caramel sauce for dipping. When stored in the fridge, these cheesecake bars last about 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge before serving. In this post, we explored how to make Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars. You learned about the key ingredients, from the creamy cheesecake layer to the crunchy topping. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through each phase, along with tips for perfecting your bars. We even discussed variations, storage, and common questions to enhance your baking experience. These bars offer a great way to enjoy classic flavors. Try these ideas, and enjoy baking!

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars! This easy recipe combines creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crispy crumb topping drizzled with caramel. Perfect for any gathering, these bars are sure to impress your guests. Get ready to savor every bite! Click through now to discover the full recipe and bring this delightful dessert to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

For the apple filling:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the crisp topping:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the caramel drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Make the cheesecake mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue to mix. Then add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream until fully combined.

      Prepare the apple filling: In another bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss until the apples are well coated.

        Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.

          Layer the ingredients: Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Evenly distribute the apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer, followed by sprinkling the crisp topping over the apples.

            Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.

              Cool and set: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

                Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 12

                    - Enjoy these delightful Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars as a perfect dessert for your next gathering!